FFNZ Call For End To Ad Hoc Policies On Emissions

01 August 2001

FFNZ Call For An End To Ad Hoc Policies On Emissions

Federated Farmers of New Zealand President Alistair Polson has expressed concern at comments by the Hon Pete Hodgson earlier today that suggest the Government is now looking at production levies to address greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

"FFNZ welcomes the move away from methane taxes," said Mr Polson. "However it is disturbing to have the Minister comment on policy options when key issues in the over-arching policy are yet to be addressed."

"Farmers need to know how the Government intends to allocate emissions credits from the initial assigned amount. Farmers also need to know whether the responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions will lie with Government or instead be allocated among the sectors."

"The Minister's comments are indicative of the piecemeal approach to the development of climate change policy. The many Government departments involved have from the beginning developed policy options in isolation from the over-arching policy. The promotion of levies on agricultural production is a testament to this."

"Only as recently as 21 May 2001, the Minister stated in a press release that the Government had no plans to introduce a tax on farm production. FFNZ has always opposed the introduction of additional costs to production that would undermine the international competitiveness of our agricultural exports." concluded Mr Polson.

ENDS

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